From ancient times in Japan, 'Kagami-biraki' has been one of the essential
practices at wedding ceremonies to share felicitations and to celebrate the threshold
of a couple's new life. At 'Kagami-biraki,' a bride and groom opens the top of the 'sake' barrel amidst yells of congratulations. Then, the 'sake' is served to all attendants to share the happy moment.
Following is a set for 'Kagami-biraki' which we offer to our customers
for gala occasions.
'Kagami-biraki' is the practice to open a 'sake' barrel with a small
mallet and to distribute 'sake' to attendants. Kagami means a mirror,
while biraki means to open. It is believed that the origin of 'Kagami-biraki'
traces back to the ancient rituals of shrines. At certain shrine festivals, 'kami
kagami (divine mirrors)' in sanctuaries were open for public worship. It has been adapted for wedding banquets. 'Sake' from a barrel is distributed to all attendants in the spirit of sharing the happy moment with a new couple.
The bride wears 'uchikake' (a long overgarment kimono), whereas the groom wears 'montsuki' (a crested kimono). As the beauty of kimono has enticed us over centuries, Japan's traditional spirit of sharing deserves conservation.
Wajima-nuri Iwai-daru (Wajima lacquered celebratory barrel) is accompanied
by a small mallet, lipped bowls, a dipper and two cups. They are exquisitely lacquered
with thin leaves of mother-of-pearl, gold, silver or platinum, depicting a banquet
of aristocrats during the 'Heian era' (from the 9th to the 13th century)
and an old ship carrying 'sake' barrels with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Gorgeous makie (lacquer) is indeed an appropriate setting for a bride and groom in traditional kimono. It represents the splendid and elegant beauty that we have inherited from the ancient ages. The ultimate beauty of lacquer ware is attained through the repetitive lacquer coatings.
Please enjoy the florid Wajima-nuri (Wajima lacquering arts)
that represents the traditional art of Japan.
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reserved.
mail:fujiyama@konishi.co.jp